The Release 2.0 of the Inspection.IQ verification system is aimed at error proofing automotive part assemblies and is offered in configurable bundles from 1 to 64 cameras. Typical installations include inspection of assembly processes involving sealant, tires, wheels, windshield glass, HVAC insertion, badging, engines, frames and mufflers. Inspection.IQ verifies part presence or absence, assembly correctness, tolerance deviations and key features in a point-of-installation inspection. The package provides a dedicated inspection cell that includes all of the hardware, software and fixtures required to perform the required assembly checks. Once a vehicle is inside the inspection cell, pertinent component or vehicle ID data is acquired or conveyed to the inspection system, results are compared against the target data. If there is an incorrect, mismatched or missing part, the system signals the error.

ATR Systems

The PVD series parts verification sensor features large bright green and red job lights that provide distinct visual cues to guide assemblers through a part picking sequence and notify of an incorrect or out-of-sequence selection. The PVD is suitable for multi-part pick-to-light assembly, order packing and fulfillment as well as bin picking, part sorting, collating and error proofing applications. Its one-piece self-contained emitter/receiver design offers automatic sensing mode or absence of a retroreflective target material. The diffuse mode is ideal for smaller bins and has a sensing range up to 400 mm while the retroreflective mode accommodates larger bins with an extended 2 m sensing range.

Banner Engineering Corp.

A new series of high-power, servo-driven gantry-style Cartesian dispensing robots have working areas up to 32" x 24". They use ball screw transmissions to ensure high reliability. The I&J9000 series is ideal for use with conveyor operations requiring a Cartesian Gantry robot and for bench applications that require XYZ movement above the work. The robots are available as three- and four-axis designs and are fully interpolated in all axes. Programming is by an easy-to-learn teach pendant.

I&J Fisnar Inc.

The ProDyne Fixed Length Collet Chuck features a quick-change quarter turn collar system that allows set up changes to be performed in seconds, with no loss in accuracy. Its small size eliminates virtually all tool interference problems and allows machines to run at higher spindle speeds, improving productivity and throughput. The collet chuck is compatible with machines using an A-4, A-5, A-6 or A-8 spindle nose and can be easily mounted using the machine's existing draw tube and actuator. The fixed length means no drawback as the collet closes.

Lexair, Inc.

AirLoc Horizontal Wedgmount® Machine Supports for large and small machines can be easily customized to prevent walking and stop sway. They feature integral high damping and cushioning capabilities that can dissipate up to 90% of horizontal load forces, depending upon model. Available with different mounting brackets, hardware and vibration control pads, these modular supports can be adapted to customer requirements for machines and presses up to 3,000 tons or more. Suitable for smaller machine tools and injection moulding machines as well as large moulding machines, stamping and screw presses.

AirLoc

Using advanced technologies such as P.S.D (Position Sensitive Detector) and A.P.R. (Automatic Power Reinforcement) the Keyence PZ-V/M series of photoelectric sensors provides a detection stability that is unaffected by target colour, surface reflectivity, angle, dirt, airbourne dust and harsh environments. The series totals 40 sensor models which include four sensor types: reflective with auto calibration, reflective with manual calibration, retro-reflective with manual calibration and thrubeam with manual calibration. All have a visible red beam for easy positioning and setup and once calibrated, require no further adjustments during operation.

Keyence

The model TA automatic self-tapping insert driver combines automatic parts feeding and installation of self-tapping, threaded inserts into one compact, efficient system. The inserts are fed into an insertion unit where they await a signal that is initiated by the operator or system controller. The unit then advances and rotates simultaneously, screwing the insert to a preset depth. A switch then reverses rotation of the unit, thereby unscrewing it from the insert. The model TA will accommodate all thread-cutting or thread-forming inserts ranging in size from 2-56 to 1/4-20 and will install into various thermoplastic and thermoset plastics as well as other similar host materials.

Spirol International Corporation

The Microgage 2000 flatness and leveling kit is designed for aligning production machinery and industrial equipment. It provides 0.0025mm measuring capability for setting flat planes, checking the position of guide rails and ways, aligning machine beds, and setting rollers and web handling systems. The kit can operate over a 30-foot radius and is well-suited to many demanding alignment tasks. The Microgage 2000 is compact, accurate, and easy to set up and use, making it ideal for factory personnel and for demanding industrial applications.

Pinpoint Laser Systems

The Quick Tool is an automatic bench mount system suited for high volume cable tie applications. This air powered tool accommodates a reel of 5,000 ties and can be used with conveyor or assembly line applications. The Quick Tool can be operated with a foot pedal or modified for an automated environment. Ties are available in two styles: standard and heat stabilized weather resistant.

Tyton Hellermann Canada

SLIDEWAYS conveyor guide rails fe  ature a stainless steel sheath with a "C" design that is clamped and inserted into the UHMW to create a rail which is 20% stiffer than U-shaped side guides and fits tightly to eliminate gaps. Easy to wash down and clean, their smooth construction helps prevent the entrapment of particles. Fully compatible with commercially available clips and brackets, including adjustable and post & block styles, the guide rails' positive insert design prevents them from separating and generally require fewer brackets.

Slideways, Inc.

Motoman's PX-series robots are flexible six-axis manipulators specifically designed to optimize performance in industrial and automotive painting applications. Six robot models are available with reaches ranging from 800 mm to 2,900 mm, making them ideal for painting a wide variety of products, from small parts to large car bodies and machines. Two types of programming pendants are available for the PX-series robots. The explosion-proof version features a 4.7-inch LCD display that displays painting data and the contents of the jobs. The standard programming pendant has a 5.7-inch LCD display. Programmers use icons and pull-down menus for Teach and Edit functions.

Motoman, Inc.

Kollmorgen PLATINUM® DDL motors for electronic assembly applications are available with Ironless (slotless) and Ironcore construction. Their design eliminates all mechanical transmissions, resulting in a compact mechanical assembly with reduced parts; zero maintenance, backlash and compliance; high stiffness and positional accuracy; very smooth velocity and quiet operation. The Ironless motors have no attractive force between the frameless components and are cog-free for ultra smooth motion. They feature peak forces from 13 to 360lbf. The Ironcore motors provide peak forces from 38 to 3,513 lbf.

Danaher Motion

The ASG Smart Torq™ Error-Proofer monitors the entire fastening process and controls the final torque of electric assembly tools. When coupled with a tool, it provides levels of control and error-proofing to the assembly process that were previously unavailable. The controller detects cross-threading, premature shut-off, re-hits, cam-outs, and missed fasteners as well as incorrect torque conditions. Relay I/O is standard, providing good, bad and batch complete signals for interfacing with station controllers and PLCs.

ASG

The BIL analogue, absolute linear position sensor provides highly accurate, non-contact continuous positioning information. It allows existing motion control systems to be upgraded from end-of-stroke to the flexibility and precision of continuous, absolute positioning feedback. The BIL is only 95mm long, allowing it to fit into tight places. It delivers high resolution, analogue temperature-compensated linearized stroke information up to 50 mm, and non-
linearized stroke information up to 60 mm. Voltage and current-output versions are available.

Balluff Inc.

The PILM Jumbo Joint Manual EC combines the reliability of double vertical hold down clamps and versatile nailing head to ensure a high quality joint. The unit can be used with any type of moulding to make a picture frame.

PAM Fastening

The Smart Torq™ Error-Proofer for pneumatic assembly tools monitors the entire fastening process and controls final torque. It monitors the number of fasteners installed and detects and identifies cross-threading, premature shut-off, re-hits, cam-outs and missed fasteners as well as incorrect torque. The unit is compatible with most major brands of industrial pneumatic assembly tools, regardless of drive shape or size.

ASG

Custom designed to exact specifications, Apple Rubber's silicone housing seals feature a round cross-section and are moulded to hold superior tolerances to die-cut, flat gaskets. Unlike flat gaskets, the round cross section of silicone housing seals ensures sealing of any potential leak paths. Typical applications range from appliances and electronic component housings to aerospace and medical products. The silicone housing seals are available in a 20-80 durometer range and can be made even softer to match compression set requirements of plastic or metal housing applications. The seals can be produced in even the most complex shapes and the silicone material can be colour-matched to customer specifications.

Apple Rubber Products, Inc.

The ConnTrol series 300 potentiometer control foot switch is a variable speed control pedal with a slip-resistant surface that provides extremely smooth operation and maintains its position when the user's foot is removed. Featuring a potentiometer drive mechanism that eliminates gears or levers and has virtually no backlash, this variable output electric foot control offers adjustable tension and stroke for optimum operator comfort.

ConnTrol International, Inc.

Canadian Industrial Equipment News March 2004

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